♦ Kyrgyzstan has officially declared the snow leopard as its national symbol. Kyrgyzstan President Zhaparov also directed the Cabinet of Ministers to recognize the snow leopard as a national symbol and protect its population and ecosystem. 

♦ In ancient Kyrgyz culture, Panthera uncia (snow leopard) held significance as a totem animal linked to the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people, Manas. Within Kyrgyz culture, the snow leopard symbolizes greatness, nobility, courage, bravery, and resilience.

♦ Kyrgyzstan has taken a leading role in snow leopard conservation at the international level, hosting the inaugural Global Snow Leopard Forum in 2013 in the capital, Bishkek.